The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), in partnership with the Chesapeake Bay Trust, is offering $750,000 in grant funding for local, community-driven initiatives aimed at improving water quality. Through the Clean Water Montgomery Grant Program, Montgomery County nonprofit organizations— including local watershed groups, homeowner and community associations, faith-based organizations and service and civic groups—may be eligible for grants ranging from $40,000 to $100,000 to support their projects to improve water quality and stream health.

The grant program is now accepting proposals for projects such as planting trees, installing permeable pavers and building rain gardens that will improve and protect local waterways. Applications are due no later than 4 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024.

To review the request for proposals or to register for the pre-application workshop click here.

Projects throughout the County are eligible for consideration, except those in Rockville, Gaithersburg and Takoma Park, as these municipalities manage their storm water separately.

“Through this partnership between the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection and the Chesapeake Bay Trust, we have provided $5.6 million for 123 projects over the past 10 years,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “By supporting these projects that address stormwater runoff and pollution, promote education and foster stewardship, we are empowering local organizations to play a crucial role in restoring and maintaining the health of our waterways.”

The grant program will be accepting applications in the following categories:

• Public outreach and stewardship projects such as knowledge building, are eligible for funding up to $40,000, and behavior change up to $60,000.
• Community-based restoration projects such as parking lot replacement with permeable pavement are eligible for funding up to $100,000.
• Tree planting and restoration projects are eligible for funding up to $100,000.
• Litter-reduction projects in the Anacostia River Watershed are eligible for funding up to $50,000.